The group formed in 1992, and released a vinyl single, "Proto Pretty", which was later compiled on Rhino Records' "Poptopia" series of power pop compilations. They followed this with the albums Wondermints (1995), Wonderful World of the Wondermints (an album of cover versions from 1996), Bali (1998) and Mind If We Make Love to You (2002). Most of these albums were released in Japan prior to release in the United States. The group also contributed to the soundtrack of the first Austin Powers movie at the request of Mike Myers.
In 1999, the group signed on to be part of Brian Wilson's touring band. Walusko and Gregory have played with him continuously ever since, with D'Amico only having toured with Wilson in 1999, 2000, 2002, and 2003. When D'Amico left to spend time with his family, he was replaced in 2001 and early 2002 by Andy Paley, and in 2004 by Nelson Bragg. However, D'Amico rejoined Wilson's band in the summer of 2008, replacing Jim Hines on drums after relieving fellow multi-instrumentalist Scott Bennett of his temporary drumming duties. Sahanaja also missed a few shows in 2003 and 2008, being replaced by Gary Griffin, and in 2016, when Billy Hinsche took his place.
All Wondermints can be heard on Wilson's CDs and DVDs Live at the Roxy Theatre, Brian Wilson on Tour, Pet Sounds Live, and Brian Wilson Reimagines Gershwin, with Sahanaja, Walusko, and Gregory also appearing on the Pet Sounds Live in London album and the studio albums Gettin' in Over My Head and Brian Wilson Presents Smile.
The band is part of a power pop scene in Los Angeles, many of whose members play on each other's records. All of the members of Wondermints, especially Gregory, have made frequent guest appearances and have several side projects, some of the more notable of which are Love, The Eels, Baby Lemonade, The Negro Problem, Stew and Kim Fox.
Albums
Wondermints (1995)
Wonderful World of the Wondermints (1996)
Bali (1998)
Mind If We Make Love to You (2002)
Kaleidoscopin': Exploring Prisms of the Past (2009)
Ride
Wondermints Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Leaning off the edge of the earth
Breathe in the hour
Take a chance for all that it's worth
All wound up and ready to go for a spin
All wound up and waiting for love to begin
We're on a technicolor motor ride
Weavin' in and out of my soul
We're on a magic roller coaster ride
I know we'll never get to heaven
Let's go for a ride, I'll take you somewhere
We're rollin' on a technicolor motor ride
Blue is the sky
Light's perfect for a Kodachrome still
Ruby red smile
Looks good enough for Mr. DeMille
Let me show you
All the sights and sounds of an alternate world
Wrong is right out there for a boy and a girl
Wheels are spinning out of control
We're on a technicolor motor ride
Weavin' in and out of my soul
Just like a magic roller coaster ride
I know we'll never, never, ever
Let's go for a ride, I'll take you somewhere
We're rollin' on a technicolor motor ride
Wheels are spinning out of control
We're on a technicolor motor ride
Weavin' in and out of my soul
Just like a California coaster ride
I know we'll never be together
But don't know know
I might take you somewhere
We're rollin' on a technicolor motor ride
The song "Ride" by Wondermints is about living in the moment, taking risks and experiencing life to the fullest. The opening lines "Free as a flower, leaning off the edge of the earth, breathe in the hour, take a chance for all that it's worth" suggest the urge to break free from the monotony of life and enjoy an exhilarating ride. The lyrics describe a sense of adventure and excitement, where the singer is ready to go for a spin and waiting for love to begin. The chorus highlights the feeling of being on a "technicolor motor ride" that is out of control, like a "magic roller coaster ride" that weaves in and out of the soul.
The theme of duality is evident in the lyrics, as the singer talks about an alternate world where "wrong is right out there for a boy and a girl." The use of colors such as blue for the sky, ruby red for the smile, and "Kodachrome still" invoke images of a vivid and dream-like landscape. The lyrics reflect a yearning for something more than the mundane, a desire to explore the unknown and embrace life in all its colors.
Overall, "Ride" is a fun and upbeat song that encourages listeners to seize the moment, let go of their inhibitions and take a ride into the unknown.
Line by Line Meaning
Free as a flower
Feeling completely liberated and unburdened, possibly akin to the freedom of a flower with no attachments or restraints.
Leaning off the edge of the earth
Metaphorically exploring the unfamiliar and unknown parts of the world, sticking one's neck out to experience something new and exciting.
Breathe in the hour
Taking advantage of the present moment and all that it has to offer, living life to the fullest and breathing in every second without hesitation.
Take a chance for all that it's worth
Opportunities should never be missed, and one should go all-in when presented with a chance to experience something new or different.
All wound up and ready to go for a spin
Feeling eager and prepared for adventure, ready to take on whatever life throws one's way.
All wound up and waiting for love to begin
Hopeful and optimistic about finding love, eagerly anticipating the moment when it begins to blossom.
Wheels are spinning out of control
Life is unpredictable and can take unexpected turns, like a car going out of control and spinning dangerously.
We're on a technicolor motor ride
Life is vivid and full of color, and it can often feel like a wild and thrilling ride as we experience all that it has to offer.
Weavin' in and out of my soul
Life's ups and downs can have a profound effect on a person's innermost thoughts and emotions, weaving in and out of their soul like a rollercoaster ride.
I know we'll never get to heaven
Acknowledging that perfection and absolute bliss may be impossible to achieve during one's lifetime.
Let's go for a ride, I'll take you somewhere
Inviting someone to join in on the adventure, offering to take them along to explore new and exciting places.
Blue is the sky
Describing a beautiful and clear sky on a perfect day, a peaceful and calming sight.
Light's perfect for a Kodachrome still
The lighting conditions are perfect for capturing an idyllic and picturesque moment, like a still photograph on Kodachrome film.
Ruby red smile
A bright and joyful smile that is as precious and valuable as a ruby gemstone.
Looks good enough for Mr. DeMille
Referring to famed film director Cecil B. DeMille, suggesting that the smile is so beautiful and cinematic that it could appear in one of his films.
Let me show you
Offering to share one's experiences and insights with another person, eager to bring them along on the adventure.
All the sights and sounds of an alternate world
Describing a world that is different from the norm or expected, full of interesting and unique sights and sounds to behold.
Wrong is right out there for a boy and a girl
Implying that sometimes doing something unconventional or considered 'wrong' can actually be the right choice, especially when it comes to love and relationships.
Just like a California coaster ride
Referring to the famous rollercoaster rides in California, suggesting that life can feel like a thrilling and wild ride with unexpected twists and turns.
I know we'll never be together
Likely referring to the idea that two people will never fully understand each other or be able to experience everything side by side.
But don't you know, I might take you somewhere
Offering a glimmer of hope and an invitation to explore the world and all its possibilities together.
Contributed by Declan G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Dave Stephens
I can't begin to tell you how this album changed my life......love you guys from the UK....xx
Derrick W
This is a beautiful song they did with Brian's help ! It should have been a Beach Boys song .
Les Goe
Sounds like a lost track from The Beach Boys' "Carl and the Passions". And I mean that as a compliment.
Rich McMickle
Carl Wilson would be proud!
Home Room Records
The best!
Derrick W
Nicky Wonder ( Walusko ) RIP , 8/7/2019
BlueEyes 1970
Nice amalgam of the Beach Boy's "Long Promised Road" and "Marcella". If only I had the payola money to force songs like this on corporate radio instead of the AutoTuned sewage that dominates instead...
ericebryan
@barney906 That's right it borrows partly from Feel Flows.
barney906
I'd say it was more "Feel Flows" than LPR
nick rivers
here's Brian Wilson singing backing vocals